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New Thrills at the 2017 Iowa State Fair

Monday, July 24, 2017 Des Moines, IA

Discover all of the new exciting thrills at the Iowa State Fair August 10-20. From new amusement rides, to new food on a stick and the celebration of the Butter Cow, the Iowa State Fair has something for everyone.

2017 Butter Cow Companions The Iowa State Fair Butter Cow started in 1911 and for many years she has shared her cooler space with various public figures including; Elvis Presley, Harry Potter and in 2016 a tribute to Star Trek.

In 2017, Laura Ingalls Wilder will be cast in 100% cream butter to celebrate her 150th birthday. Laura Ingalls Wilder spent part of her childhood in Burr Oak, Iowa and her sister Mary attended the Vinton School for the Blind in Iowa. Various birthday celebrations and festivals are happening across the Midwest in recognition of her birthday. More butter please- West Des Moines will be host to the international golf tournament for women. Sarah Pratt, Iowa State Fair butter sculptor since 2006 will be bringing a little bit of the Solheim Cup to the Iowa State Fair as she creates a replica of the official trophy. Both Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Solheim Cup trophy will be on display with the Butter Cow in the John Deere Agriculture Building throughout the Fair.

Thrill ParksIowa State Thrill Parks officially opens in 16 days. From state-of-the-art reloadable digital wristbands to super spectacular one of a kind rides, you won’t want to miss Iowa State Thrill Parks: Thrill Ville, Thrill Town and Thrill Zone in 2017.

Opening Ceremonies will take place at 9:00 a.m. in front of Thrill Ville on Grand Ave.

Heroes’ DayHeroes’ Day celebrates EMTs, fire and rescue personnel, policemen and paramedics opening day of the Iowa State Fair Thursday, August 10. Special displays will be on Grand Avenue and the Governor’s Lifesaving Awards and Outstanding Service Awards will be presented at the Susan Knapp Amphitheater sponsored by Coors Light with media sponsor KDSM Fox 17 at 10:00 a.m. Thank you to all our heroes in police, fire, rescue and emergency response.

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating ContestKetchup with your closest comrades Saturday, August 12 for the nationally acclaimed Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Regional Contest. The top male and top female finishers will relish in their victory and be invited to compete in the National Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4, 2018, enter online today bit.ly/2tkbvWl. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs will be providing hot dog samples north of the Susan Knapp Amphitheater Stage August 11 – 13 sponsored by Coors Light with media sponsor KSDM Fox 17.

Spirit of Iowa BellA tribute to those who have served, those who do serve and those who will serve, watch as the Spirit of Iowa bell is cast and unveiled on the Fairgrounds to raise awareness about veteran’s needs. From August 12-14 the bell will be created and the completed bell will be showcased in the Veteran’s Day Parade on August 14th.

Text AlertsDon’t miss special offers, updates on concerts, daily activities, weather alerts and more; text FAIR to 75782 or text BABY to 75782 to receive updates when babies are born at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. Message frequency varies. No purchase necessary. By texting in, you agree to receive autodialed marketing messages at the number provided. Message & data rates may apply.

Daily Program Online NOW!Just posted online, the 2017 Daily Program is an interactive online list of everything happening at the Fair. Sort by date, location, keywords and more, you can even customize your own personal itinerary and print it or use their mobile device. Visit our website at iowastatefair.org/entertainment/fair-schedule/ for a full list of daily activities.

About Iowa State Fair

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa’s greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. Nothing Compares to State Fair Moments, August 9-19, 2018. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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